[From White's Devonshire Directory (1850)]

"TAWSTOCK, a pleasant scattered village and parish, from 2 to 4 miles S. of Barnstaple, has 1429 inhabitants, and 6500 acres of land, including the neighbouring hamlets of East Combe, West Combe, Hiscott, Prustacott, Chapeltown, and St. John's Chapel, in the fertile vale of the river Taw. The manor was successively held by the Brewer, Tracey, Martyn, Audley, Fitzwarren, Hankford, and Bourchier families. . . . It now belongs to Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, Bart., of TAWSTOCK HOUSE, a large and handsome mansion, delightfully situated in an extensive and well-wooded park, on the western side of the river Taw. . . . Charles Sturt, Esq., is lord of the manor of Templeton. The Church (St. Peter,) is a fine Gothic structure, with a tower rising from the centre, and contains several monuments of the Bourchiers and Wreys. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £69. 12s. 1d., and in 1831 at £997, is in the patronage of Sir B.P. Wrey, and incumbency of the Rev. H.B. Wrey, M.A., who has 112A. of glebe, and a large and handsome modern residence. . . . "

GOOGLE STREET VIEW - TAWSTOCK CHURCH

Holy Well (Tawstock) submitted by HOLYWELL

Holy Well in Devon. One of the best and certainly largest holy wells in the county. I knew nothing of it when I looked for it and was surprised by the size!

First recorded in the 14th century but with hints of saxon origins. It is found by the local school and near St. Peter's church which once used its waters. It is a grade 2 listed building and was restored in 1938. Access to the water is prevented by the locked metal door and the water appears to arise in a cave like structure.

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